Postdoctorial Fellow in Photocatalysis
Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
The full application can be found at: http://www.flinders.edu.au/employment/vacancies/academic.cfm
Vacancy number 13235
Classification: Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Academic Level A
Salary Range: Level A: AUD $64,272 pa full-time
Employment Type: Fixed-term for 2 years, full-time, possible extension up to 3 years in total.
Closing date: 16 September 2013 or until position is filled
Key purpose
The successful applicant will work on a South Australian Government funded collaborative project between Flinders University, University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia on the development of novel photo and thermal catalysts for fabrication of hydrocarbon fuels from CO2 and H2O.
The successful applicant will mainly work at Flinders University but will also spend time at the University of Adelaide. A second position might become available in a similar research project.
Organisational Environment
The Flinders Centre for NanoScale Science and Technology (www.flinders.edu.au/nano_research) is a newly recognised Centre with over 70 researchers working on a range of projects in energy, water, health and security. Most of the staff come from the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences (CaPS) is a multidisciplinary School of Experimental Sciences within the Faculty of Science & Engineering of Flinders University, located 20 kms south of the Adelaide CBD. CaPS offers degrees in the broad areas of Chemistry, Physics, Nanotechnology, Forensic and Analytical Chemistry. Academic staff members in Chemistry are research active in a range of areas including polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, biomaterials, biosensors, nanostructured materials and ultrathin films.
The discipline of Chemistry is part of the School of Chemistry & Physics at the University of Adelaide’s. Research undertaken in Chemistry is connected to the University's Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (CAN) and Centre for Energy Technology (CET), as well as the Institute for Minerals and Energy Resources (IMER). The CAN includes the priority of nano-scale catalyst development, which is consistent with the aims of this project and the CET promotes research to assist Australia’s transition from a high to low CO2 emission society.
Key Responsibilities
· Deposition of nanoparticles on surfaces
· Characterisation of the deposited nanoparticles with a range of surface analytical tools (electron spectroscopy, optical spectroscopy and ion scattering spectroscopy).
· Testing of catalytic properties.
· Provision of guidance to PhD students involved in the project
· Provision of written reports to the supervisors
· Presenting occasional lectures to undergraduates and postgraduates, if required
Supervision provided to others
The successful applicant will be involved in the supervision of PhD students working within the research program. There is also the potential for Honours student supervision according to the University’s policies, practices and standards.
Working Relationships
This project is funded by the South Australian Premier’s Research and Industry Fund. . A/Professor Gunther Andersson will be the primary supervisor, however, the successful applicant will also receive supervision from A/Prof Gregory Metha (University of Adelaide).
Selection criteria
Essential criteria
- Possession (or near completion) of a PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science / Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in surface modification.
- Demonstrated strong research experience in surface characterisation techniques, such as electron spectroscopy (XPS, UPS, MIES), ion scattering spectroscopy or optical techniques.
- Published work in peer-reviewed journals of high standing in the field as first author
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Evidence of capacity to undertake innovative and productive research in a timely manner
- Proven proficiency in maintaining scrupulous records and good laboratory practice
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other academic researchers
Desirable criteria
- Hands-on experience with nanoparticles.
- Experience with heterogeneous catalysis
- Experience in maintaining high vacuum scientific equipment
Comments